By Jeff Hellrung, Member, Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education
Gov. Tom Wolf joined Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, advocates, and educators last month to announce a significant reduction in standardized testing for elementary students. One test section will be eliminated in both Math and ELA PSSA tests amounting to a 93 minute total time reduction. Also, approximately 22 minutes will be taken...

By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times
Former state representative Chris Ross (R-158) recently was so kind as to spend an hour and a half talking with me about his 20 years representing a district that stretches from eastern and southern West Goshen west through the Bradfords and then south as far as London Britain and the Delaware border.
I had interviewed him before back in the fall of 2012....

Rushing through SB3 is a suicide play for Pa. GOP
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
On a very special Monday edition of “Why Your State Legislature Sucks,” let me chat with you for a moment about state Senate Bill 3.
With the myriad of problems facing our commonwealth, it is this bill, which addresses exactly none of them, that will likely dominate headlines this week and beyond in Pennsylvania.
With...

By Pedro A. Cortés, Secretary of State, Pennsylvania
Pedro A. Cortés
It is hard to escape the fact that the November 8 general election is quickly approaching.
At the Pennsylvania Department of State, we have a deep commitment to ensuring a fair, secure and smooth electoral process. Voting is one of our most fundamental rights as citizens. As Pennsylvania’s Chief Election Officer, it is my responsibility...

A group of cheesemakers, retailers, scientists and supporters of Pennsylvania-made cheese have joined together to create a guild in support of the growing artisan industry in the state.
The proposed mission of the guild is to “promote the highest standards of cheesemaking and celebrate the diversity of the cheese community in Pennsylvania through partnerships, outreach and education,” according...

Chester County farmers and producers received high marks from Pennsylvania Farm Show judges this week, resulting in an impressive array of ribbons in a wide variety of agricultural disciplines in the show’s landmark 100th year of operation.
Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline attended the Show and sought out Chester County representation in numerous categories. “The...

GOP House members leave for holiday, no clear path ahead
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
T’was the day before the day before Christmas,
When all through the (State) House,
Various angry politicians were heard to espouse:
“Ghost voting,” “vote to reconsider” “insurgent” and “Twitter fight”
As legislators sought to finally get a state budget right…
Local State Reps (clockwise...

State House GOP budget play doesn’t seem to make political sense
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
It’s that time of year — you can see the indications of it everywhere.
It’s election season. What, you thought I was talking about Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza?
After just a few weeks off from the local 2015 elections, politics has moved back front and center, even if the events of 2015 will...

Both express strong support for Senate Bill 886
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Sen. Andrew Dinniman talks about his bill, Senate Bill 886, which would create an online database of Medal of Honor winners to help thwart those who would falsely claim such honors.
WEST GOSHEN — One word came to the forefront in a discussion about proposed legislation to prevent misrepresentation and claims of military...

First named storm of hurricane season brings reminder to prepare for emergencies, consider flood insurance
Harrisburg – With the Atlantic hurricane season now under way, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency reminds residents to always be prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
“The remnants of Hurricane Sandy brought so much devastation to much of the state last October,”...